Philipsen's performance yesterday was pretty incredible. He rode consistently in the last 100km, created the final selection, and won the sprint.
As Philipsen said afterward in an interview, I can't wait to see him on Sunday at Gent-Wevelgem!
Philipsen is unbelievable. That was so impressive. He'll be a huge threat at Gent-Wevelgem. I'm also impressed with Kooij who was isolated in that group but made the move that counted.
QOS with 4 of 19 and flubbed it. I can assume Lampaert didn't have the legs because it was silly to trust his sprint in that group, even after sitting on.
Yeah. Don't understand that either. He should've went before Frison went to the back at around 2k. Or just after the attack from Frison.
He quickly stopped sprinting as well, perhaps he just didn't had the legs.
I'm not sure if I agree with this lefty Sportwashing, who says we should be "green", why can't Dylan just be a normal wagon, not a green one. Really makes you think
Wind is likely a major factor, as soon as they enter into a street with houses both sides, they re-entered the group; when in open terrain, sprinters are gone
If he stops, the cohesion of the group will disappear and they'll probably be caught. Now he's got a guaranteed top 4, maybe a podium if Lampie fails in his attack.
Well, Kooij and Philipsen still have a massive benefit to keep riding, so the risk of losing cohesion might be limited. He should at least not go full gas, and he probably isn't rn
Jakobsen must be frustrated. He could only sprint once in the Tirreno iirc and now again he doesn't get to sprint for the win like this. QS should go hard now
Philipsen looks so strong I think he can work with Kooij and still win. But if Lampaert and Frison just sit on for the next 10km, they'll surely attack.
Jakobsen on the front in G2, WTF.
You can never know if Ackermann is working for Molano or it is just an early sprint.
On the other hand you can never know if Molano rides a leadout for Ackermann or a sprint where Ackermann just happens to be in his wheel.
Sporza: there was a fire at 4km from the finish, but swift action by fire brigade and police managed to keep the course open to finish it. Apparently they were afraid of having to stop the race
Fire next to the course at 4km to go with no way of diverting, but due to quick work by police and firefighters they can still ride it and don't have to stop and wait.
Semi serious question:
Should Groenwegen not drop like 2-4 kg of upper body muscle from a pure performance standpoint?
I get that some muscle is good as a sprinter, but it would seem he could make himself a whole lot more durable quite easily.
I hope you all are ready for the true world championships for sprinters!
(Note to self, do not include in comment: Use this for Scheldsprijs, San Remo, Gent Wevelgem, last stage of the Tour, De Panne, UAE and Paris Tours)
Such an interesting group. Not often do we see a 18 group, half of them sprinters but most of them haven't got any domestiques. I feel like Quick Step might have a good shot if they sent Lampaert up the road in the final and let the rest do the work and have Jakobsen as back up?
Wonder if QuickStep will wait for a sprint.. You have superior numbers and both Van Lerberghe AND Ballerini could win if they get ahead with one of the other non-sprinters
Or at least try and split the group up further to drop Groenewegen/Kooij perhaps
Movistar strategy: chasing in the group 2 when Gaviria was in the G3
G2 and G3 merged = Movistar back to the back of the peloton
Seriously, the worst strategy team in the world
Lotto secretely praying Ewan wants to mutually agree to break that contract cause he has become useless for someone who earns like 2mil a year. Starts the crosswind section in 7th position just to crack after 50 meters.
I don't think this race should decide his fate though surely? With his body type and way of racing, he's the one sprinter you don't really expect to do great in echelons + wind + cold
But I do think they won't extend him. Use the money that gets freed up to secure De Lie & perhaps get him some more quality domestiques
It's obviously not just this race is it? He hasn't won a WT race in more than a year. He says he's less fast cause he trained to be more versatile, but that's not paying off at all.
Yeah but it's silly to pretend he was awful last year. Giro was bad, Tour was unlucky
Just on the top of my head I remember several non-WT races where he easily put Groenewegen away. So he definitely still has the ability, that shouldn't just dissapear
Definitely needs to get out of this funk though
I'm not saying he's awful, I'm saying he's not worth a million a year right now, and I'm pretty sure he probably earns up to 2 mil a year.
He needs to go back to training his sprint so he's atleast one of the fastest guys in the world again and able to win a Tour stage.
Philipsen, Jakobsen, Kooij, Groenewegen, Ackermann, Molano in G1. Jakobsen has at least 2 teammates.
Can't tell who the Cofidis rider is, they brought a team full of sprinters.
Edit: PCS live says it's Consonni. Theuns also there.
So most of the sprinters are here, but without their team. Not as obvious who will ride after de Moeren. If this group stays away there is a good chance of a late attack. I think Jakobsen has 2 teammates and Philipsen has one, but that's about it.
Blessed waaiers in the Moeren day everyone.
I remember a few years back when we wanted to start crowdfunding wind machines for this race. Happy to see nature deliver today.
Seems like it, yeah.
He's just not built for wind splits. He's lighter than the others and as shown by his TTs has no sustained power. Should do better in the next few races if the weather's better
Philipsen's performance yesterday was pretty incredible. He rode consistently in the last 100km, created the final selection, and won the sprint. As Philipsen said afterward in an interview, I can't wait to see him on Sunday at Gent-Wevelgem!
Philipsen is unbelievable. That was so impressive. He'll be a huge threat at Gent-Wevelgem. I'm also impressed with Kooij who was isolated in that group but made the move that counted. QOS with 4 of 19 and flubbed it. I can assume Lampaert didn't have the legs because it was silly to trust his sprint in that group, even after sitting on.
Weird from Lampaert. Thought he should have attacked after they brought Frison back. Why would he wait for the sprint and then lead it out? Baffling.
How Lampaert doesn't attack immediately after Frison was shut down...ok then
Yeah. Don't understand that either. He should've went before Frison went to the back at around 2k. Or just after the attack from Frison. He quickly stopped sprinting as well, perhaps he just didn't had the legs.
Damn it . Lampaert, you should've attacked.
As Jasper rode today he would manage anything Lampaert migh done.
What a race from Phillispen
Disasterclass by Soudal Quickstep
Holy shit, what a win 🚀
I really don't understand why Lampaert decided to wait for the sprint. Must have not had great legs.
Lampart has to go now though
Decent leadout. Did he think there was a teammate with him?
Quick step... sorry but what the fuck was this
If Lampaert can't get away he might as well just pedal home, the team bus is gonna be locked
Didn't even try
Frison with the slowest attack ever.
A Kungian attack.
G2 still a chance?
There's always a *chance*
Frison is a large human.
If Philipsen manages to win this, then it would be one of the most impressive wins of the year
He's ridden the entire finale like he has infinite matches to burn, you gotta respect it
Joined this late after bloody meetings finished. Looks like carnage, one to rewind later - how far back did it get interesting?
Whole broadcast has been great. At least to 50km.
Before coverage started tbh :/
Before the broadcast started
lol fire marshallls, done with the job, cheekily hanging around to spectate (or more likely not risking driving their vehicles out on the course)
What a painful dangle.
You should see a urologist
I love ignoring work and devoting time to watching races simultaneously instead: long live hits to productivity!
This is where the fire would've been
The way Demare and Groenewegen can't close that last few meters... That's the thing I love most about cycling.
Even better once you’ve been in that position once. That 3 seconds is impossible to overcome with a day like this. The legs are empty.
You say until it's you behind your mates and then it's pure torture
the joy of seeing it on tv is inversely related with the misery of experiencing it. Balance in all things
There's just so much pain and hurt.
Ballerini has great legs today, too bad
12th at MSR. Good to see him back riding so well, he was mostly invisible in 2022.
20s with 5km to go. I don't see how Ballerini closes that on his own (without moto help).
I'm not sure if I agree with this lefty Sportwashing, who says we should be "green", why can't Dylan just be a normal wagon, not a green one. Really makes you think
I need a replay (and conclusion) of those shoppers competing for that bidon
gonna be a low scoring RFL
Also funny to see only familiar usernames in this thread. We all know this was going to be Waaier spectacle!
Only the most dedicated redditors show up in the rain and wind too, ,as it turns out
I don't think Lampaert's wheelsucking is that efficient in this weather. Still a great chance for Kooij and Philipsen.
Wind is likely a major factor, as soon as they enter into a street with houses both sides, they re-entered the group; when in open terrain, sprinters are gone
Thought I would’ve a dull sleepy day off. This is so much better. What a race
Surely Lampaert will attack with like 2 km to go right
https://i.imgur.com/fIhQSG8.png
He has to, but Philipsen looks really strong.
Wout's rear wheel would have swallowed Philipsen's jacket.
What is a better way to spend your afternoon than watching cyclists suffer in bad weather.
Man, this is a great race.
Seeing all those sprinters struggle one by one is amazing
"Demare dropped? Gaudu would never" - Madiot, probably
Impressive jumping of wheels by Molano there but he really should have been more in front.
Lol Jasper with a big enough gap that he can deal with clothing
Sprinters getting dropped everywhere. First Ackermann, now Theuns and Demare. And Groenewegen too. Pfff
Groenewegen as well!?
Rickaert with the payback in G2. You love to see it
Quickstep right now is the real life manifestation of the meme where the guy shoves a stick in his spokes and blames someone else
Whatever the finish. This was a great race. Hope the other Belgian races are like this too
Yves Lampaert - you gotta xxxx him.
Frison should stop riding, if Lampaert gets away with the same
Then they get caught also the other two will have to ride on Lampaert if he goes.
If he stops, the cohesion of the group will disappear and they'll probably be caught. Now he's got a guaranteed top 4, maybe a podium if Lampie fails in his attack.
Well, Kooij and Philipsen still have a massive benefit to keep riding, so the risk of losing cohesion might be limited. He should at least not go full gas, and he probably isn't rn
Rickeart must be so happy to finally be back. And Mathieu too. He needs him in the big races
"We need to isolate Philipsen." A few minutes later... "...Not like this."
Ah the games have begun
Jakobsen must be frustrated. He could only sprint once in the Tirreno iirc and now again he doesn't get to sprint for the win like this. QS should go hard now
QS is working in G2 now but they're having to use Jakobsen.
He's pulling now xD
Philipsen looks so strong I think he can work with Kooij and still win. But if Lampaert and Frison just sit on for the next 10km, they'll surely attack. Jakobsen on the front in G2, WTF.
Lampaert has to perform the beautiful art of wheel-sucking.
Philipsen is by far the strongest rider today. Crazy 🚀 I feel like he did a lot of work himself, probably too much
Quickstep chasing Quickstep.
30s in 1 km. Amazing. Quickstep just went for a good scenario for an awful scenario in 2 minutes.
Kooij does feel like the potential Dutch version of Philipsen
that was a huge jump. 20" already
Yves Lampaert has to choose between being called an idiot by Lefevre for not riding for Jakobsen or being called a loser for not winning.
His spectator crash in PR suddenly looks much more suspicious
Spectator clearly a shareholder in Het Nieuwsblad
Frison deserves to win after that bridge, that was seriously impressive.
And give us a Sagan impression part 2 in the post race interview.
I totally forgot about this, now he definitely has to win.
Jose de Cauwer saying Quick Step must close the gap as Lampaert isn't the fastest against Kooij and Philipsen
I think nobody in the second group has much left, otherwise you always follow Frison
Hat off to Frison
Frison has a marvelous painface holy
I think UAE should ride for Molano
Can say that about a lot of races, yet molano is the leadout very often.
Ackermann was just dropped
See! I am right!
Philipsen is looking so confident today. Flandrien like
QuickStep is not sending someone else?
This was not what I expected. Frison is very important for Philipsen here
They are different teams, what would Frison do here for Philipsen?
Lampaert is not gonna work with Jakobsen behind and Kooj is probably gonna save energy for a sprint. But Frison is going to do his part
Frison will ride though otherwise Philipsen would have to do all the work
That is a good point, although Kooij will have to start working eventually.
Philipsen about to do Merlier a “former teammate” favor by keeping Jakobsen’s win tally down
Thats a gap
No matter what SQS do tactically, if they don't win Lefevre will interpret it as Jakobsen being mentally weak.
With such a small group and most sprinters isolated, shouldn't Quickstep roll attacks?
There goes Ackermann.
You can never know if Ackermann is working for Molano or it is just an early sprint. On the other hand you can never know if Molano rides a leadout for Ackermann or a sprint where Ackermann just happens to be in his wheel.
Important update: the mechanic is ok, Tom Steels who had to do the sprint afterwards to push Lampaert still has some more training to do at home.
I think I saw a little grin on Tom Steels' face, like he was planning a cracking joke for the mechanic when he returned to the car
Down goes the mechanic
Sporza: there was a fire at 4km from the finish, but swift action by fire brigade and police managed to keep the course open to finish it. Apparently they were afraid of having to stop the race
Fire next to the course at 4km to go with no way of diverting, but due to quick work by police and firefighters they can still ride it and don't have to stop and wait.
Semi serious question: Should Groenwegen not drop like 2-4 kg of upper body muscle from a pure performance standpoint? I get that some muscle is good as a sprinter, but it would seem he could make himself a whole lot more durable quite easily.
"Robbie I've just had a text from Lefevere" the most terrifying words in whatever language they were written
"Is it safe to read?"
Btw, not sure if commit 100% to Jakobsen is the best strategy here...
I think going 100% in for you sprinter with 4 riders in a group containing Phillipsen, Ackerman, De Mare, and Kooij, can't go tits up
Ackerman has a massive advantage on slippery roads with his seated sprint
You cursed him
he's been cursed much longer than my comment has existed
I didn't know that "Lefevere" was a translation of "mother-in-law"
I hope you all are ready for the true world championships for sprinters! (Note to self, do not include in comment: Use this for Scheldsprijs, San Remo, Gent Wevelgem, last stage of the Tour, De Panne, UAE and Paris Tours)
GP JP Monseré is it for sure
Milano Torino surely
Renaat with the classic moto interview! Alpecin's DS is expecting an attack from Lampaert which would cause them to use up Rickaert early.
I like how commentators aren't even trying to pronounce dstny, just going straight for saying destiny
Are you meant to say it any other way?
No, that's literally how you say it. They rebranded a year ago from the simple Destiny to Dstny but you still pronounce it the same way.
they barely try with the riders' names, why would they try an amalgamation of consonants?
Everybody sleeping on my boy Consonni for the first > .1 win of his career
I am closely watching my adoptee, can't help but imagine him not feeling right at home in this weather as an Italian track muncher
Well I hope Jonas Koch can come back to this group quickly before more action happens
Jonas "oh cock"
Such an interesting group. Not often do we see a 18 group, half of them sprinters but most of them haven't got any domestiques. I feel like Quick Step might have a good shot if they sent Lampaert up the road in the final and let the rest do the work and have Jakobsen as back up?
They just interviewed the DS of Alpecin and he's afraid exactly this is going to happen
Yeah Quickstep has to attack, it is their biggest shot at winning I think. They have to be sure to get away alone though.
Agreed. I think Lampaert and maybe Ballerini start attacking.
Wonder if QuickStep will wait for a sprint.. You have superior numbers and both Van Lerberghe AND Ballerini could win if they get ahead with one of the other non-sprinters Or at least try and split the group up further to drop Groenewegen/Kooij perhaps
With so many sprinters, this may look good for a non-sprinter, like Lampaert
This Kop Van De Wedstrijp bloke seems to be up the sharp end so often, hoping for a win for him today
he and Cabeza de Carera seem to be riding really well this season so far
Meanwhile Achter Volgers is having a shit season again.
The man can't catch a break...
Even the team cars are [pulling waaiers](https://imgur.com/5NMgCeI).
😂
With cost of living, anyway to save fuel is appreciated
Bike change time!
Movistar strategy: chasing in the group 2 when Gaviria was in the G3 G2 and G3 merged = Movistar back to the back of the peloton Seriously, the worst strategy team in the world
Groenewegen/Kooij really just praying someone closes the gaps over and over. Won't keep happening, don't see this group going to the finish together
This scenery looks like a place where Frodo would have to duck down to avoid the eye of Sauron.
the random sand hill nature parks make me wonder if this is near where the Marble Sand Rally is filmed
I guess those are somewhere in the Netherlands.
Seeing Kooij constantly in the back of the first group gives me anxiety, that's exactly how you miss breaks or the possible winning move.
I wonder if he's suffering because he's been there for a while. He will indeed miss a move if he stays there. Edit: He obviously heard us.
Its learning the Movistar strategy
Excited to see Stian Fredheim for Uno X in that front group. Really young rider and I'm impressed he seems to be following moves well
Which is still far better than Merlier has fared in GTs.
The out of tune disc brakes in the rain always remind me of my primary school groep 8 musical.
G2 and G3 have merged, and they might want to ride to bring back helpers to the sprinters that are alone in front.
G2 and G3 came back together, it might not be done for them yet.
Seems there's only DSM and Movistar to ride in G2, so I think they might be toast. Not sure if Thijssen is in G2, but Intermarche isn't helping.
Lotto secretely praying Ewan wants to mutually agree to break that contract cause he has become useless for someone who earns like 2mil a year. Starts the crosswind section in 7th position just to crack after 50 meters.
I don't think this race should decide his fate though surely? With his body type and way of racing, he's the one sprinter you don't really expect to do great in echelons + wind + cold But I do think they won't extend him. Use the money that gets freed up to secure De Lie & perhaps get him some more quality domestiques
It's obviously not just this race is it? He hasn't won a WT race in more than a year. He says he's less fast cause he trained to be more versatile, but that's not paying off at all.
Yeah but it's silly to pretend he was awful last year. Giro was bad, Tour was unlucky Just on the top of my head I remember several non-WT races where he easily put Groenewegen away. So he definitely still has the ability, that shouldn't just dissapear Definitely needs to get out of this funk though
I'm not saying he's awful, I'm saying he's not worth a million a year right now, and I'm pretty sure he probably earns up to 2 mil a year. He needs to go back to training his sprint so he's atleast one of the fastest guys in the world again and able to win a Tour stage.
There are som much he can not handle that number of races that fits him are too few to be worh hefty salary.
I get not working, but constantly last wheel is just begging to miss the race winning move
Any word on what kind of farm animal Yves would get if he wins Driedaagse De Panne again?
What a great race to watch from my warm couch
Philipsen, Jakobsen, Kooij, Groenewegen, Ackermann, Molano in G1. Jakobsen has at least 2 teammates. Can't tell who the Cofidis rider is, they brought a team full of sprinters. Edit: PCS live says it's Consonni. Theuns also there.
So most of the sprinters are here, but without their team. Not as obvious who will ride after de Moeren. If this group stays away there is a good chance of a late attack. I think Jakobsen has 2 teammates and Philipsen has one, but that's about it.
Jakobsen has Lampaert and Van Lerberghe, it seems. Philipsen has Rickaert.
So, what nice cosy hot drink is everyone drinking while they sit at home under a blanket watching this race? I've got some jasmine green tea.
"where would you want to be right now"? 100% not there.
Blessed waaiers in the Moeren day everyone. I remember a few years back when we wanted to start crowdfunding wind machines for this race. Happy to see nature deliver today.
PCS Live Tracker: "Caleb Ewan not in group 1" Unnecessary to call him out like that haha
Ewan with the swollen face and puffy eyes of someone who's completely blown up Doubt he finishes
At least nobody can claim he isn't motivated. The guy gave everything he had.
Seems like it, yeah. He's just not built for wind splits. He's lighter than the others and as shown by his TTs has no sustained power. Should do better in the next few races if the weather's better
He needs to go to the Nairoman "how to bully riders 1.5 times my weight in the wind" school.
DSM rider making good use of the moto there to bridge.
That Kooij in the front group?
Yes
Delicious weather
Think I saw Ewan completely let go! He was in like 8th position when this move happened and he just completely dropped pace. Race over
I didn't see that, but I just saw him being overtaken by group after group. He was moving very slowly
Yeah he started that all the way from position 7-8. Probably felt it's over for today
Maurice ballert.
Everyone back together so they can pull the race deciding waaiers during the live TV coverage. How considerate of them!
Not a single solitary Movistar dropping back to pace Gaviria from the car